Plastic Surgeons in Beverly Hills - Los Angeles - Plastic Surgery

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of your body contours. It can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

There are technical variations to the basic liposuction techniques. Our surgeons are highly experienced and can remove the fat, but it is not what is removed that matters - it is the shape that you leave the body in after the fat is gone that counts. Liposuction techniques, together with an excellent artistic vision make our surgeons the right individuals to help you achieve the body contours you have always dreamed of.

The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration, but older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

We encourage you to arrange an appointment with our surgeons as they can assess your needs as they consider variables such as your age, skin elasticity, expectations, and overall state of health, in order to assist you in making the decision that would be most appropriate for you.

During your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. The surgeon will explain the method that is most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an Abdominoplasty would more effectively meet your goals.

Images provided by Amreican Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications.

The time required to perform liposuction varies considerably depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.

The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. Imperfections in the final appearance are uncommon, but the skin surface can initially be irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy," especially in older patients. Numbness and minor pigmentation changes although extremely rare may also occur.

Improvement will become apparent after about six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After surgery, you may experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. The Doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

You may experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness after the surgery. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.

The surgeon will recommend you start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after a week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. There may be a few stitches, which are usually removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days after surgery. Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks.

If your expectations are realistic, you will be very pleased with the results of your procedure. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you will be able to maintain your new look for the rest of your life.

BeverlyHillsPhysicians.com offers plastic & cosmetic surgery procedures including Liposuction Surgery in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills & other centers in Southern California, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard.